James "Jim" Albert Bell

James Albert “Jim” Bell, husband of Margaret “Rose” Pendarvis Bell, died at their home in St. George on Jan. 1, 2021. A private memorial service will be held at his final resting place, the Bethel United Methodist Church Cemetery in Harleyville, on Saturday, Jan. 9th, 2021, at 11 o’clock.

Jim was born on June 10, 1944, in Summerville, South Carolina, to Holcombe “Marion” Bell and Mamie Mims Bell. He graduated from Harleyville Ridgeville High School in 1962.  He obtained a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of South Carolina in 1966 and a Juris Doctor Degree from the University of South Carolina School of Law in 1969. He was admitted into the South Carolina Bar Association in 1969. He served as a 2nd Lt. in the South Carolina National Guard for six years during this time in his life.

“Attorney Bell” opened a law office in St. George in 1970 and served his town and community for more than 48 years. He was a member of the Association of Trial Lawyers of America. He was admitted to the Supreme Court of the United States in 1980 and was approved to practice before the United States Supreme Court, South Carolina District.  Over the years, Jim served in various capacities, including Dorchester County Attorney from 1971-1987, member of the Board of Trustees at Indian Field Campground, and various leadership positions in his church, St. George United Methodist Church.   

Jim is remembered as a friendly, generous man who always had a ready handshake and a kind word.  He loved being involved in his church and community and serving his Lord through singing in the church choir and doing for other people. He was an avid Gamecock supporter, outdoorsman, and Edisto Beach lover.  He enjoyed entertaining others, practicing and sharing the fruits of his excellent culinary skills, and relishing life with his beloved wife Rose.

Jim was no stranger to tragedy, but he always maintained an upbeat attitude and a love for life.  He was a man of great faith and conviction. He found joy and purpose in every day and worked diligently to make the world a better place for his people.

Jim is survived by his wife of 53 years; a son, Jason Barry Bell, of St. George; a brother, Holcombe Bell of Harleyville; a sister-in-law, Dale Pendarvis of Frisco, TX; a niece, Lynne’ Bell Reeves (Jeff) of Elloree;  nephews, Rodney Bell (Cheryl) of Eutawville, Craig  Pendarvis (Erin) of Carrollton, TX, and Wesley Pendarvis (Corey Campbell) of Arlington, VA; great nieces, Danielle Watson McCall (Brian) of North Charleston and Ashleigh Watson of Summerville; and great nephews, Hunter Watson of Summerville, Logan Bell (Morgan Kemmerlin) of Harleyville, and Dawson Bell of Eutawville.  Jim was also blessed with many friends he considered family, including Frances Anne Pate Clayton, Robin Infinger Dukes, Henrietta, Linda, and Lyn Howell, Luanne Westbury Mauney, Audrey Clayton McClure, Sarah Hutto Snyder, and his close “good neighbors” (as he called them).

Jim was predeceased by his son, James Albert “Jamie” Bell, Jr.; his brother, Joseph Mims “Joe” Bell; his sister, Laura Jane Bell; his niece, Bobbie Lorraine Bell;  his sister-in-law LaVonne Priddy Bell; and his brother-in-law, Danny Pendarvis.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. George United Methodist Church (120 North Parler Ave., St. George, SC) or Bethel United Methodist Church (1163 Beidler Forest Rd., Dorchester, SC).

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